Press Release

Novell Makes it Easier to Start with Linux on IBM's System z Mainframe

Starter system enables customers to evaluate benefits of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for System z with minimal effort

WALTHAM, Mass.January 30, 2008

Novell today announced the availability of the SUSE® Linux Enterprise Server Starter System for System z, a pre-built installation server that simplifies the installation of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server on IBM's System z mainframes. The starter system eliminates the need for IT managers to search for network access to installation media on the mainframe. With the new Starter System for System z, customers can quickly initiate evaluations of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for System z.

"We're excited to be able to leverage the SUSE Linux Enterprise Server Starter System for System z for our mainframe deployments," said Mike Walter, z/VM systems manager at Hewitt Associates. "Until recently, there was no simple way to install SUSE Linux Enterprise Server on a mainframe using z/VM tools natively. This new tool makes it much easier and faster for us and others to experience SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for System z, taking advantage of the cost and reliability benefits of Linux on the mainframe."

Carol Stafford, vice president of worldwide System z sales at IBM, said, "This starter kit is a great example of the many ways IBM is expanding mainframe compatibility and ease-of-use features. Novell's Starter System for System z helps Linux customers quickly maximize the mainframe's high reliability and scalability for mixed workloads."

Starter System for System z, developed for Novell by Sine Nomine Associates, includes utilities and configuration tools to easily create an installation server and simplify the entire process of installing Linux* on a System z mainframe. The starter system requires less administrator expertise while jump starting evaluations of Linux for System z. SUSE Linux Enterprise Server running on System z helps customers reduce software platform costs while allowing them to take advantage of hundreds of new, lower-cost applications available to System z users.

Roger Levy, Novell senior vice president and general manager of Open Platform Solutions, said, "Novell worked closely with customers and the mainframe community to develop a tool that will actually save customers time and money while helping them meet their broader IT objectives. That collaboration and the effectiveness of the starter system as it facilitates the customer installation of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for System z platforms are additional indicators that Novell understands the needs of mainframe users better than any other Linux vendor."

Availability

More information about the SUSE Linux Enterprise Server Starter System for System z, including a download link, can be found at www.novell.com/mainframe. The next-generation platform for the open enterprise, SUSE Linux Enterprise is the best-engineered and most interoperable platform for mission-critical computing, from the desktop to the data center. For more information on SUSE Linux Enterprise offerings from Novell®, visit www.novell.com/linux.

About Novell

Novell, Inc. (Nasdaq: NOVL) delivers infrastructure software for the Open Enterprise. Novell is a leader in desktop to data center operating systems based on Linux and the software required to secure and manage mixed IT environments. Novell helps customers around the world minimize cost, complexity and risk, allowing them to focus on innovation and growth. For more information, visit www.novell.com.

Novell and SUSE are registered trademarks of Novell, Inc. in the United States and other countries. *Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. All other third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.